The Best Beer Bars in Hong Kong

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Not long ago Hong Kong was considered something of a beer wasteland. There were no local craft beers to speak of, and bars peddled only the cheapest of microbrews. But in the last couple years, Hong Kong has given birth to a spate of excellent beer bars and pubs that specialize in everything from British to Belgian to American craft beer, as well as a burgeoning group of local microbreweries—like Young Master Ales, Moonzen and Hong Kong Beer Co.—that have helped city carve out a place within the international scene. —Charley Lanyon

This British pub standby in the basement of the Excelsior Hotel attracts a crowd of UK expats and anglophile locals with its excellent list of international beers and classic pub interior. Filled with dark-wood accents, dim lighting and polished brass, the Dickens has more than 80 beers, with 13 available on tap. The selection is constantly in flux, so be sure to ask the bartenders for a recommendation.

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One of Hong Kong’s newest craft beer bars, the Roundhouse Tap Room has the best selection of draught beers in town with more than 20 available. The variety can be overwhelming, which is where the curated iPad menu comes in: Beers are organized by region along with tasting notes and ratings from other customers.

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It’s a shame to think how many people dismiss this unassuming bar as merely a pub for rowdy rugby fans. Amidst the nightlife wasteland of Causeway Bay, this extremely pleasant bar—despite the name—doesn’t even show rugby games. Ruggers is simply a refreshingly basic neighborhood joint with good beer, strong drinks and friendly service. The low-key, but lively bar has one of the best selections of Belgian ales around, and, though food is offered, most drinkers stick to the complimentary Funions.

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The eastern neighborhood of Tai Hang was once known only for its auto shops and sleepy vibe, but these days it’s become Hong Kong’s latest trendy neighborhood. Amidst the inevitable influx of concept joints is Stone’s, a no-frills neighborhood favorite. Thanks to its simplicity, solid American food and microbrews, it’s filled with local crowds seeking low-key respite from the crush of gentrification.

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Hong Kong’s newest taproom, TAP The Ale Project, distinguishes itself with a rotating selection of local draught beers paired with recommended dishes that riff on typical Hong Kong flavors. The surprisingly small space is often full to overflowing—staff routinely turn people away—with a mostly local clientele.

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The most casual of Hong Kong’s beer options, The Beer Bay is more a kiosk than a proper bar, and each evening it’s packed with revelers drinking from a selection of more than 60 brews. The little green hut, which is located near Discovery Bay’s ferry pier, is well known amongst serious beer hunters for its hard-to-find releases, so ask for a rarity recommendation, settle onto the concrete steps and watch commuters dashing for their ferries.

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In the basement of the Guangdong Hotel, the Scottish-owned Canny Man is Hong Kong’s only Scottish pub. The massive bar is stocked, floor to ceiling, with shelves scotch (include over 100 single malts), all of which can be drunk alongside nearly thirty craft beers.

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The Globe is the destination for beer lovers in Hong Kong. The easygoing ambience (think board games, excellent music and friendly crowds) belies an extremely serious beer program, featuring more than 150 different brews from all over the world. The Globe has an unabashed affinity for British brews—the owners are Brits—but they’ve also long been supporters of the city's microbreweries, so be sure to ask for something local.